Hideki Matsui Named World Series MVP

Hideki Matsui was named the Most Valuable Player in the 2009 World Series after a record-setting performance in the decisive Game 6.

Matsui drove in six of the Yankees' seven runs in their World Series-clinching victory, staking New York to an early lead with a two-run homer off of Pedro Martinez in the second inning and falling a triple short of the cycle. His six RBI were the most by any player in a World Series clincher. Five others -- including Reggie Jackson -- held the record of five RBI previously.

"It's awesome," Matsui said through a translator of his achievement. "Unbelievable. I'm surprised myself.

"It's certainly different. All I can say right now is I feel great," he added.

Due to be a free agent this winter, Matsui is the first native of Japan to win the award -- yet another milestone as Japanese players begin to lay their roots in the major leagues.

Asked whether he would return to the Yankees next season, Matsui, 35, sounded optimistic.

"I hope so. I hope it works out that way," he said. "I love New York, I love the Yankees."

The Yankees will look to get younger this offseason, so Matsui may not fit into their plans, particularly with some of their other veterans like Jorge Posada headed for more DH duty down the line. It will certainly be a lot harder to let him hit the open market after his performance throughout the 2009 season, but particularly in the playoffs.

Matsui is only the second designated hitter to win World Series MVP after Paul Molitor, who won it with the Blue Jays in 1993.

Molitor played three games at DH, two at first base and one at third base in that series, but Matsui did not start any games for the Yankees when the series shifted to Philadelphia (where National League rules were in play) for Games 3, 4 and 5, being relegated to pinch-hitting duty instead.

Matsui hit .615 in the series, with three home runs and eight RBI.

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World Series 2009

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: The New York Yankees celebrate after their 7-3 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Johnny Damon

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World Series

NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees celebrates after their 7-3 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Alex Rodriguez

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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: Mariano Rivera #42 (C) and Mark Teixeira #25 (L) of the New York Yankees celebrates after their 7-3 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Mark Teixeira;Mariano Rivera

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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: The New York Yankees celebrate after their 7-3 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Joba Chamberlain

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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: Derek Jeter #2 of the New York Yankees celebrates with his teammates after their 7-3 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Derek Jeter

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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees celebrates after their 7-3 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Alex Rodriguez

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NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 04: Alex Rodriguez #13 of the New York Yankees celebrates after their 7-3 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in Game Six of the 2009 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium on November 4, 2009 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Alex Rodriguez

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)

11-05-2009 @ 2:03AM

tonytiger18 said...

Matsui was impressive tonight. The first hit, a two run shot, off Pedro was after a tremendous at bat against Pedro. He fouled off a few pitches, even hit a foul shot that was lon enough to be a dinger.

His second hit was the key, a two out drive to the gap that score two runs.

His third hit was the icing on the cake, a ball hit harder than the homerun off the right field wall that scored the final two runs.
Tha started the real celebration.
we knew the game was over at that point.

The ghosts at the old Stadium knew as well!!

The Yankee brass wanted to leave the old stadium up and give it a proper send off with a Championship in the new place.

Now the Ghosts of the old Stadium can go to sleep, they are in good hands!!!!

11-05-2009 @ 2:19AM

Congratualtions to Matsui being name MVP!!!!

Gerardi was great; he was second guessed by Mike Franssessa of WFAN all week. Mike is / was a Joe Torre guy, always kissed up to him.
Never gave Gerardi any credit.

Hey Mike, I used to listen to your show, but lately you have become very arrogant with a large ego, so I listen to the ESPN station.

The old tune of they "bought" a championship will come out of the envious fans of other teams.

But I will enjoy this one for a long time because along the way, the Yankees beat the Sox for first,beat the Twins, a classy team, and they beat the annoying Angels ( we owed them for the last defeats in the playoffs).
And now, they beat the Phillies, last year's champs!!!

I hope that George buys more talent to improve this great team.

11-05-2009 @ 11:03AM

mannysea18 said...

What do you mean lately ?

11-05-2009 @ 2:24AM

les808 said...

a friend of mine just told me that all benihana restaurants will be offering a special sushi to honor hideki matsui's MVP. it will be a triple decker sushi to commemorate his 3 homeruns in the world series. the new sushi is called Inuniku. one of the executives in the benihana restaurant chain is a big yankee fan and a good friend of matsui.

11-05-2009 @ 2:28AM

gmaadness said...

You think that after all the years of playing in NYC, that he would know how to speak English.

11-05-2009 @ 2:34AM

He speaks English with his bat!!!!

11-05-2009 @ 3:33AM

LOVE OF MY LIFE said...

why, people in NY don't even speak English.

11-05-2009 @ 10:13AM

dmasah said...

He does speak quite a bit of English. He prefers to use the translator for public speaking so he doesn't make an English faux pas.

11-05-2009 @ 10:16AM

dtallard said...

Matsui does speak English but prefers to be interviewed by the media through a translator. Who can blame him with the way the media jumps on the slightest misunderstanding?

11-05-2009 @ 12:49PM

my guys said...

gmaadness::IF the white stuffed shirt owners didn't hire anyone that don't speak english well, there would not be too many GOOD ballplayers..But YOU seem to be very judgemental towards people that have a bit of language issue..We don't hold anything against you just because you are an IDIOT redneck..We the fans appreciate everyone that is able to compete at such a high level, perhaps YOU should do the same and give credit where it's due..Do you really think what Matsui thinks about you and your comments? Do you really think any of us care what you say? Now go watch your TV im sure HEE HAW is coming on.

11-05-2009 @ 5:14AM

ard519 said...

Congrats! to the Yankees!....the BEST team in baseball! I love it!

11-05-2009 @ 6:53AM

Geezer said...

Sorry, it was given to the wrong person. Chase Utley deserves it no matter whether or not his team lost. I don't even remember the last time I saw hitting that good in the World Series.

11-05-2009 @ 11:51AM

OU812? said...

Chase Utley MVP??? Sure he hit a few home run, but most were with no one on base.. Utley batted 286 for the series, Matsui batted 615 thats more then twice the amount..Matsui got the rbi's when needed, that sir is the mark of an MVP. Utley lookd good last night striking out 2 times..But im sure Utley will get endorsements do to brillcream ads..A little dab will do ya...

11-05-2009 @ 4:08PM

Utley also got five home runs in the first five World Series games, which is very impressive.

If not Utley, give it to Cliff Lee. His performances were amazing. Too bad the rest of the team quit on Utley and Lee.

11-05-2009 @ 8:15AM

johnciancio7 said...

Who says they speak English in New York

11-05-2009 @ 8:30AM

dvstckwll said...

Wow, finnaly a Yankee a can't hate....that sucks.

11-05-2009 @ 11:29AM

You need to learn how to use spell check.

diplobrat said...

Go Go Godzilla!

11-05-2009 @ 8:37AM

RAYFIELD said...

LIKE I POSTED YESTERDAY !
MATSUI BACK.
YANKS 6 TO 1.

11-05-2009 @ 8:44AM

dgcme101 said...

It amazes me how people whine and complain that someone doesn't speak a certain language, when the whole reality is that we in the US don't even have an official language.

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